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Actors who are guaranteed to add class to a film

211 replies

Anniegetyourgun · 27/05/2015 15:44

I was just posting in the Avengers thread and a thought occurred which I decided might make a good topic on its own.

I had been going to say that the presence of Samuel L Jackson always adds class to a movie, sometimes sorely needed Star Wars . Some film critic or other made this comment years ago about Sam Neill, which I agree with. Others that spring to mind are Judi Dench, Morgan Freeman and the much lamented Pete Postlethwaite. If they're in it there will be at least one little area of, shall we say, gravitas; some credibility; some dignity.

I'm not sure it's even about star quality. Possibly not. They don't have to carry a movie; in a minor supporting role they still manage to add a little stamp of authenticity to even the biggest steaming pile of shite.

This is not a crumpet thread. Attractiveness or lack thereof is irrelevant (no objections to it being mentioned in passing though). "I always watch so-and-so because he's so dreeeeamy" is far too well catered for elsewhere. We are talking about Class with a capital C.

Anyone want to play?

OP posts:
OnlyLovers · 28/05/2015 15:05

I can't agree about Firth. I think he's a bit of an old woman in voice and mannerisms. Liked him in A Single Man, though.

Juliet Stevenson is excellent but she doesn't seem to be in much telly or film stuff these days.

JokersMaid · 28/05/2015 15:11

Gary Oldman
David Wenham
David Suchet
Patrick Stewart
Ian Mckellen ( cant wait for Mr. Holmes)
Robert Downey Jr

PuppyMonkey · 28/05/2015 17:04

Phil Collins GrinGrinConfused

I think this thread has truly jumped the shark if you don't mind me saying.

SignoraStronza · 28/05/2015 17:06

Charlotte Ramping. She is a polyglot and has appeared in lots of obscure European cinema.

BitOfFun · 28/05/2015 17:17

Peter Mullan

Julie Walters

NataliaRomanova · 28/05/2015 17:59

Tom Hiddleston
James Spader
Julie Walters
Helena Bonham Carter

Dancelikenobodyswatching · 28/05/2015 18:10

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

Meerka · 28/05/2015 20:03

yes, Juliet Stevenson too! definitely

AlecTrevelyan006 · 28/05/2015 20:45

John Hurt
Tim Roth
Daniel Day Lewis
Tom Wilkinson
Helena Bonham Carter
Cate Blanchett

SoleSource · 28/05/2015 21:13

James Woods

SoleSource · 28/05/2015 21:17

James McAvoy, Daniel Day Lewis, Sean Bean, Ralph Fiennes, Alan Rickman, Simon Pegg, Ben Kingsley, Laurence Olivier.

MrsToddsShortcut · 28/05/2015 21:23

I second Michael Sheen. Also Jim Broadbent, Bill Nighy, Steve Pemberton, Mark Gatiss, David Tennant. Helena Bonham Carter, Benedict Cumberbatch and my personal 'go-to' actor for TV (if he's in it, I'll watch it), the brilliant Phil Davis.

squidgyapple · 28/05/2015 22:09

I thought DiCaprio was brilliant in Wolf of Wall Street - either brilliant or he is exactly like that guy in real life

Tensmumym · 28/05/2015 23:30

Toni Collette - agree with ItsRaininginBaltimore - Little Miss Sunshine is a wonderful film. Also very impressed by Paul Dano and Steve Carell
Maggie Gyllenhaal
Emma Fielding
Julie Walters
Juliet Stevenson

Toby Stephens - saw him on stage in Japes and he had such a presence you really couldn't take your eyes off him
Iain Glen - saw him in King Lear and he was wonderful
James McAvoy
Denholm Elliott - very moving in Room with a View
Sam West - saw him in Arcadia in the West End and in Howards End and could not believe it was the same actor
Michael Sheen
Leo Di Caprio was wonderful in What's Eating Gilbert Grape
Andrew Scott - a mesmerising Moriarty
Robert Downey Jr

Pasithea · 29/05/2015 00:49

Ulaughing at Penelope Wilton. Saw a porn with her in it years ago lol.

paulajcomp · 29/05/2015 01:00

Yes to Eddie Redmayne and Juliet Stevenson! Also Gillian Anderson.

NickiFury · 29/05/2015 01:05

Denzel Washington.
Christian Bale.
Idris Elba.
Tom Hardy.

BitOfFun · 29/05/2015 01:12

There is NO WAY Penelope Wilton was in a porno. No way.

emmelinelucas · 29/05/2015 01:20

I have heard that she was.

I think Timothy Spall and Eddie Marsan are good in everything I have seen them in

BitOfFun · 29/05/2015 01:22

This is like those Lorraine Kelly pics, isn't it? Nah, not buying it.

BitOfFun · 29/05/2015 01:24

Yeah, I've just googled. All photoshopped fetish sites.

DontForgetTheLightAlesLawrence · 29/05/2015 01:46

Lots I agree with.

However (and apologies if someone has mentioned her):

SUSAN SARANDON. She is so humane, classy and intelligent. I just love her.

Laura Linney is fabulous.

Also, the late, great Pete Postlethwaite.

Second:
Julie Walters
Sarah Lancashire
Dustin Hoffman
Stanley Tucci
Bill Nighy
Juliette Binoche.

Tensmumym · 29/05/2015 01:55

Forgot to add Eddie Redmayne , Idris Elba, Denzel Washington, Sally Hawkins and Hugh Bonneville. Agree with Sarah Lancashire and Susan Sarandon.

BangaloreStories · 29/05/2015 02:07

Ben Kingsley

HelenaDove · 29/05/2015 02:27

Olivia Colman Samuel West Bill Nighy Micheal Sheen Judi Dench Maggie Smith John Simm Phil Glenister. Romola Garai

Chris Larkin.

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